{"id":1208,"date":"2022-01-04T05:50:39","date_gmt":"2022-01-04T05:50:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uk.legalvision.com.au\/?p=1208"},"modified":"2025-07-02T00:42:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T23:42:11","slug":"5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Tips for Selling Your Business in England and Wales"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Suppose you are a business owner. You have developed a good idea and worked hard to grow your business. However, you have decided to sell your business. This could be because you are looking to retire or simply because you no longer want to own your business. In any event, this can be a daunting process if you do not know where to begin and how best to prepare. This article will give you five tips for selling your business and what to expect throughout the process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This article assumes that:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">you have a successful business, not in considerable financial difficulty;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">you are selling a private limited company; and<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">it will be sold through a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">share sale<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Business Valuation\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Before you can begin selling your business, you need to know what it is worth.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Valuing private companies is more complex than public companies. Therefore, you will want to enlist the expertise of an accountancy firm or corporate financier. There are different ways to value a private company, and each will yield a different value.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are four main valuation methods you should be familiar with.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><b>Valuation Method<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><b>Explanation<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><b>Advantages<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><b>Disadvantages<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Net Asset Valuations<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Total current liabilities subtracted from total current assets<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Quick and simple<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Does not account for intangible assets like branding or most kinds of intellectual property; not as accurate.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Market Multiple<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) multiplied by figure that estimates future earnings<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Can provide accurate valuation, especially if referenced against the value of similar companies sold<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Relies on certain assumptions about your company\u2019s circumstances that may be subjective and therefore contested by the buyer.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Discount Cash Flows<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your company\u2019s post-tax operating cash flows converted into estimation of future cash generation, then a present value is generated to represent the present value of future earnings\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Accurate and the most used valuation method\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Complex and highly technical; requires lots of financial information.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dividend Yields<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The total amount issues in dividends divided by the price per share<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fairly easy to calculate<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Rarely accurate for private companies, especially where dividends are issued according to needs of the owner-managers.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div class=\"box box--icon box--info\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Note: these valuations may not reflect your buyer&#8217;s final price for the business. Factors such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">negotiating position;<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">market circumstances; and<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">the seller and buyers\u2019 objectives\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">will also influence the price.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Finally, the buyer will conduct their own valuation of your company. Depending on the method used, the buyer may have a substantially different expectation of your company\u2019s value.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Broker or Self-Negotiated?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The market for buying and selling private companies is considered relatively illiquid, meaning it is more challenging to match a seller with a potential buyer than if selling shares of a public company.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Therefore, you may find it helpful to hire a broker. A broker is someone who has a good network of potential buyers and sellers and can connect you more quickly with a buyer. This can save you considerable time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A disadvantage of using a broker is that they tend to charge you a fixed percentage of the total purchase price, which can be substantial. Brokers are also not highly regulated, which means you should ensure you are hiring a competent professional. You may consider leveraging your business network for references.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"box box--icon box--idea\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Note: if you are selling your business to a friend or family member, you will not need a broker.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<a href=\"#content-next\"\n   class=\"block p-4 mt-10 text-xl font-bold text-center text-white no-underline bg-gray-800 rounded-t-xl\">\n    Continue reading this article below the form\n    <i class=\"text-xl fa-regular fa-arrow-down\"><\/i>\n<\/a>\n<div class=\"px-6 pt-10 pb-12 mb-10 text-center bg-gray-100 rounded-b-xl sm:px-12 test\">\n    <div class=\"mb-8 text-2xl font-bold text-orange\">\n        Need legal advice?\n        <br>\n        <span class=\"text-lg not-prose\">\n                            Call <a href=\"tel:+448081968584\" class=\"not-prose\">0808 196 8584<\/a> for urgent assistance.\n                <br>\n                Otherwise, complete this form, and we will contact you within one business day.\n                    <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n\n<div class=\"not-prose flex justify-center text-left gform_input_bg_white    \">\n    <script>\nvar gform;gform||(document.addEventListener(\"gform_main_scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.scriptsLoaded=!0}),document.addEventListener(\"gform\/theme\/scripts_loaded\",function(){gform.themeScriptsLoaded=!0}),window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",function(){gform.domLoaded=!0}),gform={domLoaded:!1,scriptsLoaded:!1,themeScriptsLoaded:!1,isFormEditor:()=>\"function\"==typeof InitializeEditor,callIfLoaded:function(o){return!(!gform.domLoaded||!gform.scriptsLoaded||!gform.themeScriptsLoaded&&!gform.isFormEditor()||(gform.isFormEditor()&&console.warn(\"The use of gform.initializeOnLoaded() is deprecated in the form editor context and will be removed in Gravity Forms 3.1.\"),o(),0))},initializeOnLoaded:function(o){gform.callIfLoaded(o)||(document.addEventListener(\"gform_main_scripts_loaded\",()=>{gform.scriptsLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}),document.addEventListener(\"gform\/theme\/scripts_loaded\",()=>{gform.themeScriptsLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}),window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\",()=>{gform.domLoaded=!0,gform.callIfLoaded(o)}))},hooks:{action:{},filter:{}},addAction:function(o,r,e,t){gform.addHook(\"action\",o,r,e,t)},addFilter:function(o,r,e,t){gform.addHook(\"filter\",o,r,e,t)},doAction:function(o){gform.doHook(\"action\",o,arguments)},applyFilters:function(o){return gform.doHook(\"filter\",o,arguments)},removeAction:function(o,r){gform.removeHook(\"action\",o,r)},removeFilter:function(o,r,e){gform.removeHook(\"filter\",o,r,e)},addHook:function(o,r,e,t,n){null==gform.hooks[o][r]&&(gform.hooks[o][r]=[]);var d=gform.hooks[o][r];null==n&&(n=r+\"_\"+d.length),gform.hooks[o][r].push({tag:n,callable:e,priority:t=null==t?10:t})},doHook:function(r,o,e){var t;if(e=Array.prototype.slice.call(e,1),null!=gform.hooks[r][o]&&((o=gform.hooks[r][o]).sort(function(o,r){return o.priority-r.priority}),o.forEach(function(o){\"function\"!=typeof(t=o.callable)&&(t=window[t]),\"action\"==r?t.apply(null,e):e[0]=t.apply(null,e)})),\"filter\"==r)return e[0]},removeHook:function(o,r,t,n){var e;null!=gform.hooks[o][r]&&(e=(e=gform.hooks[o][r]).filter(function(o,r,e){return!!(null!=n&&n!=o.tag||null!=t&&t!=o.priority)}),gform.hooks[o][r]=e)}});\n<\/script>\n\n                <div class='gf_browser_gecko gform_wrapper gravity-theme gform-theme--no-framework lawyer-form_wrapper gplaceholder_wrapper form-with-labels-no-asterisks_wrapper has-new-validation-error-styling_wrapper' data-form-theme='gravity-theme' data-form-index='0' id='gform_wrapper_2453' style='display:none'><div id='gf_2453' class='gform_anchor' tabindex='-1'><\/div><form method='post' enctype='multipart\/form-data' target='gform_ajax_frame_2453' id='gform_2453' class='lawyer-form gplaceholder form-with-labels-no-asterisks has-new-validation-error-styling' action='\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1208#gf_2453' data-formid='2453' novalidate>\n                        <div class='gform-body gform_body'><div id='gform_fields_2453' class='gform_fields top_label form_sublabel_below description_below validation_below'><div id=\"field_2453_1000\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-honeypot gform_validation_container field_sublabel_below gfield--has-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2453_1000'>Email<\/label><div class='ginput_container'><input name='input_1000' id='input_2453_1000' type='text' value='' autocomplete='new-password'\/><\/div><div class='gfield_description' id='gfield_description_2453_1000'>This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.<\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2453_1\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-text gfield--input-type-text gf_left_half gfield--width-half gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2453_1'>First Name<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_1' id='input_2453_1' type='text' value='' class='medium'     aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2453_12\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-text gfield--input-type-text gf_right_half gfield--width-half gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2453_12'>Last Name<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_12' id='input_2453_12' type='text' value='' class='medium'     aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2453_2\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-email gfield--input-type-email gf_left_half gfield--width-half gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2453_2'>Email Address<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_email'>\n                            <input name='input_2' id='input_2453_2' type='email' value='' class='medium'    aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"  \/>\n                        <\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2453_3\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-phone gfield--input-type-phone gf_right_half gfield--width-half gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2453_3'>Phone<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_phone'><input name='input_3' id='input_2453_3' type='tel' value='' class='medium'   aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2453_14\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-select gfield--input-type-select gfield--width-full custom-select gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2453_14'>Number of Employees in Your Business<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_select'><select name='input_14' id='input_2453_14' class='large gfield_select'    aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" ><option value='' selected='selected'>Select ...<\/option><option value='0' >0<\/option><option value='1' >1-5<\/option><option value='6' >6-20<\/option><option value='21' >21-50<\/option><option value='51' >51-250<\/option><option value='250' >250+<\/option><\/select><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2453_4\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-textarea gfield--input-type-textarea gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><label class='gfield_label gform-field-label' for='input_2453_4'>Tell us about your enquiry<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_text\">(Required)<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_textarea'><textarea name='input_4' id='input_2453_4' class='textarea medium'     aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"   rows='10' cols='50'><\/textarea><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2453_5\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-html gfield--input-type-html gfield_html gfield_html_formatted gfield_no_follows_desc field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  >By submitting this form, you agree to receive emails from LegalVision and can unsubscribe at any time. View our <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/privacy-notice\/\" target=\"_blank\">Privacy Policy<\/a>. <\/div><div id=\"field_2453_8\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-hidden gfield--input-type-hidden gform_hidden field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_8' id='input_2453_8' type='hidden' class='gform_hidden'  aria-invalid=\"false\" value='http:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1208' \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"field_2453_13\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-hidden gfield--input-type-hidden gform_hidden field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_text'><input name='input_13' id='input_2453_13' type='hidden' class='gform_hidden'  aria-invalid=\"false\" value='generic_form' \/><\/div><\/div><fieldset id=\"field_2453_999\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-checkbox gfield--type-choice gfield__uk-marketo-opt-in field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"  ><legend class='gfield_label gform-field-label screen-reader-text' ><\/legend><div class='ginput_container ginput_container_checkbox'><div class='gfield_checkbox ' id='input_2453_999'><div class='gchoice gchoice_2453_999_1'>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<input class='gfield-choice-input' name='input_999.1' type='checkbox'  value='1'  id='choice_2453_999_1'   \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<label for='choice_2453_999_1' id='label_2453_999_1' class='gform-field-label gform-field-label--type-inline'>By submitting this form, you agree to receive content and event invitations from us to help you grow your business. If you do not want to receive such messages, tick here.<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/fieldset><\/div><\/div>\n        <div class='gform-footer gform_footer top_label'> <button type=\"submit\" id=\"gform_submit_button_2453\" class=\"gform_button button\" onclick=\"gform.submission.handleButtonClick(this);\" data-submission-type=\"submit\"><span class=\"gform_submit_button__text\">Submit Now<\/span><\/button> <input type='hidden' name='gform_ajax' value='form_id=2453&amp;title=&amp;description=&amp;tabindex=0&amp;theme=gravity-theme&amp;hash=ec2463697d0d9cef7b71236ae60964c7' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_submission_method' data-js='gform_submission_method_2453' value='iframe' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_theme' data-js='gform_theme_2453' id='gform_theme_2453' value='gravity-theme' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_style_settings' data-js='gform_style_settings_2453' id='gform_style_settings_2453' value='' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='is_submit_2453' value='1' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_submit' value='2453' \/>\n            \n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_currency' data-currency='GBP' value='W8U9PebPmcUjYFRDWHqm7CT05GcCQwSE2Ls2635Mviyx0l5PiN1LNIac4ZVuCqTyCg9q4mt8zNn0dPjHCWp0BY7wd\/gdH4XVpXAMkNy+8aTD88w=' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_unique_id' value='' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' class='gform_hidden' name='state_2453' value='WyJ7XCIxNFwiOltcIjIyODY0N2ViMWU3NTcxZjA4YTY4NGJmMDcwMTk3Y2I0XCIsXCJiMzk3YmQ1MDBmMmFjNjk1ODE4MzdmNTBhYTA2MzQ0OFwiLFwiNGYyNGZkZGEwMzlkNDUxMWFhZGE1NGYwZmQwZmNiZTdcIixcIjUyMmJkMDE2M2I2ZmEwOTI3NDZhZjU5YTg0ZmM1NDk5XCIsXCIzODRlNjk1YjQxMTAzMWFiYmQ2ODEyMGYyZWFhMDYyNlwiLFwiYjkzNDcwNTE2MjkxOGRjZWViMjQzNzRjNmE0NGVmNTlcIixcIjQxMTliODZhMzVjYzJiMWViNDZiMmQ4NjRlNGUzZmNjXCJdfSIsIjQ3MjNiMzA2ZDIyZGVkODA2N2YyMjYyOThkYzI1ODVmIl0=' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' autocomplete='off' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_target_page_number_2453' id='gform_target_page_number_2453' value='0' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' autocomplete='off' class='gform_hidden' name='gform_source_page_number_2453' id='gform_source_page_number_2453' value='1' \/>\n            <input type='hidden' name='gform_field_values' value='' \/>\n            \n        <\/div>\n                        <\/form>\n                        <\/div>\n\t\t                <iframe style='display:none;width:0px;height:0px;' src='about:blank' name='gform_ajax_frame_2453' id='gform_ajax_frame_2453' title='This iframe contains the logic required to handle Ajax powered Gravity Forms.'><\/iframe>\n\t\t                <script>\ngform.initializeOnLoaded( function() {gformInitSpinner( 2453, 'https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/legalv-v6\/img\/spinner.svg', true );jQuery('#gform_ajax_frame_2453').on('load',function(){var contents = jQuery(this).contents().find('*').html();var is_postback = contents.indexOf('GF_AJAX_POSTBACK') >= 0;if(!is_postback){return;}var form_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_wrapper_2453');var is_confirmation = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_confirmation_wrapper_2453').length > 0;var is_redirect = contents.indexOf('gformRedirect(){') >= 0;var is_form = form_content.length > 0 && ! is_redirect && ! is_confirmation;var mt = parseInt(jQuery('html').css('margin-top'), 10) + parseInt(jQuery('body').css('margin-top'), 10) + 100;if(is_form){form_content.find('form').css('opacity', 0);jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2453').html(form_content.html());if(form_content.hasClass('gform_validation_error')){jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2453').addClass('gform_validation_error');} else {jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2453').removeClass('gform_validation_error');}setTimeout( function() { \/* delay the scroll by 50 milliseconds to fix a bug in chrome *\/ jQuery(document).scrollTop(jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2453').offset().top - mt); }, 50 );if(window['gformInitDatepicker']) {gformInitDatepicker();}if(window['gformInitPriceFields']) {gformInitPriceFields();}var current_page = jQuery('#gform_source_page_number_2453').val();gformInitSpinner( 2453, 'https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/legalv-v6\/img\/spinner.svg', true );jQuery(document).trigger('gform_page_loaded', [2453, current_page]);window['gf_submitting_2453'] = false;}else if(!is_redirect){var confirmation_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('.GF_AJAX_POSTBACK').html();if(!confirmation_content){confirmation_content = contents;}jQuery('#gform_wrapper_2453').replaceWith(confirmation_content);jQuery(document).scrollTop(jQuery('#gf_2453').offset().top - mt);jQuery(document).trigger('gform_confirmation_loaded', [2453]);window['gf_submitting_2453'] = false;wp.a11y.speak(jQuery('#gform_confirmation_message_2453').text());}else{jQuery('#gform_2453').append(contents);if(window['gformRedirect']) {gformRedirect();}}jQuery(document).trigger(\"gform_pre_post_render\", [{ formId: \"2453\", currentPage: \"current_page\", abort: function() { this.preventDefault(); } }]);        if (event && event.defaultPrevented) {                return;        }        const gformWrapperDiv = document.getElementById( \"gform_wrapper_2453\" );        if ( gformWrapperDiv ) {            const visibilitySpan = document.createElement( \"span\" );            visibilitySpan.id = \"gform_visibility_test_2453\";            gformWrapperDiv.insertAdjacentElement( \"afterend\", visibilitySpan );        }        const visibilityTestDiv = document.getElementById( \"gform_visibility_test_2453\" );        let postRenderFired = false;        function triggerPostRender() {            if ( postRenderFired ) {                return;            }            postRenderFired = true;            gform.core.triggerPostRenderEvents( 2453, current_page );            if ( visibilityTestDiv ) {                visibilityTestDiv.parentNode.removeChild( visibilityTestDiv );            }        }        function debounce( func, wait, immediate ) {            var timeout;            return function() {                var context = this, args = arguments;                var later = function() {                    timeout = null;                    if ( !immediate ) func.apply( context, args );                };                var callNow = immediate && !timeout;                clearTimeout( timeout );                timeout = setTimeout( later, wait );                if ( callNow ) func.apply( context, args );            };        }        const debouncedTriggerPostRender = debounce( function() {            triggerPostRender();        }, 200 );        if ( visibilityTestDiv && visibilityTestDiv.offsetParent === null ) {            const observer = new MutationObserver( ( mutations ) => {                mutations.forEach( ( mutation ) => {                    if ( mutation.type === 'attributes' && visibilityTestDiv.offsetParent !== null ) {                        debouncedTriggerPostRender();                        observer.disconnect();                    }                });            });            observer.observe( document.body, {                attributes: true,                childList: false,                subtree: true,                attributeFilter: [ 'style', 'class' ],            });        } else {            triggerPostRender();        }    } );} );\n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"content-next\"><!-- scroll anchor --><\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Preliminary Agreements<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Before the transaction properly begins, both parties should negotiate three essential agreements. In practice, all three may be contained in the <em>heads of terms<\/em>, though not necessarily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It is vitally important that you seek legal advice before entering into any preliminary agreements. Depending on how you draft the agreement, certain terms may or may not be legally binding. This could have unexpected consequences.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of Terms<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heads of terms, also called letters of intent or memorandum of understanding, are similar to the agreements in principle you receive from mortgage lenders. In general, they contain:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">the price to be paid for the company;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">how the transaction will be structured, such as if it will be an all-cash sale or if there will be other kinds of payments; and<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">the timeline of the transaction, including key dates.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Confidentiality Agreements<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the transaction, your buyer will gain access to sensitive information about your business. For example, your buyer will gain access to some of your trade secrets and who your customers and suppliers are.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Therefore, it is common to require the buyer to enter into a <em>confidentiality agreement<\/em> beforehand. This is also known as a non-disclosure agreement. <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"box box--icon box--info\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This means that if the buyer later discloses this information to a third party, such as another competitor, your company can sue the buyer for breach of contract and recover damages.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Exclusivity Agreements<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Whether you are a buyer or seller, the process is quite expensive. From the buyer\u2019s perspective, they will not want to begin serious negotiations unless they are sure you will deal only with them. Therefore, they will likely ask you to agree not to seek out another buyer for a certain period. You should note these are also called lock-outs or no-shop agreements.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Preparing for the Due Diligence\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Once the preliminary agreements are made, the due diligence process (DD) will begin. DD refers to the process of the buyer investigating your company to understand all relevant details, including anything that might diminish the value of your business.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">DD can be broken down into the following categories:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">commercial;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">financial;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">legal; and<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">tax.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"box box--icon box--info\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While the process is driven by the buyer asking you to provide certain information, a smooth DD process requires both parties and their key advisers to be proactive and responsive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You can help speed up the process significantly by assembling all the necessary information into place as early as possible. This includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">all contracts with any third parties, including suppliers and customers;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">service contracts for directors and other staff;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">full details of your company\u2019s constitution, including its articles of association;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">your company\u2019s accounts and annual confirmation statements;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">the shareholders and the number of shares issued as well as any shareholder agreements;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">directors\u2019 details;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">any debts, liabilities, and financial obligations like mortgages, charges, and liens;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">details of any ordinary and special resolutions passed by the shareholders;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">any property leases and land owned by the company; and<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">any on-going or expected litigation where the company is a party to a lawsuit or dispute.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Share Purchase Agreement\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The share purchase agreement (SPA) is a document that records that a company has been sold. It also contains important details, such as at what price and how the parties have structured the deal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"box box--icon box--info\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While SPAs are not a legal requirement, almost all company sales will involve a detailed SPA.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The most important terms of the SPA relate to the representations and warranties that you will make to the buyer. These exist to protect the buyer from certain risks after the sale has completed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"box box--warning box--icon\">\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">SPAs are complex documents that should be drafted and reviewed by lawyers. Therefore, you should not enter into one without the advice of your solicitor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You will also need to consider whether certain conditions need to be met for the purchase to be complete. For example, you may need to ensure there is sufficient shareholder support for you to sell the company. Therefore, the purchase will be conditional on securing the necessary shareholder approval. These are called conditions precedent.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Key Takeaways\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Selling your business can be a complex and challenging process, but there are five tips you can use to prepare yourself better. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">obtaining an accurate valuation of your business;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">considering if you should use a broker;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">thinking about the essential preliminary agreements you will enter into;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">preparing for the due diligence process as much as possible; and<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">understanding the importance of the share purchase agreement.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you need help selling your business, our <a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase-lawyers-lp\">experienced business sale and purchase lawyers<\/a> can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Call us today at <a href=\"tel:+448081968584\" class=\"AVANSERnumber dynamic-number\">0808 196 8584<\/a> or visit our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/membership\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">membership page<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1641274515997\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What should I do to prepare to sell my business?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Understanding what to expect is the first step in selling your business. You will need to value your company, determine if you will need a broker, have an idea about how you will negotiate the preliminary agreements, prepare for the due diligence process, and consider what the share purchase agreement may entail.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1641274552464\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How should I prepare for the due diligence process when I sell my business?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You should assemble as much information about your business as possible, such as your accounts and all contracts with third parties. You should then organise this information in a helpful way so that you can speed up the process.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n<div class=\"not-prose m-feedback-prompt\">\n    <!-- Thumbs up\/down bar -->\n    <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__main\">\n        <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__title\">Was this article helpful?<\/div>\n        <div>\n            <!--span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button--text\">Thanks!<\/span-->\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button m-feedback-prompt__button--yes\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:yes\" aria-label=\"Agree\">\n                <i class=\"fa-regular fa-thumbs-up fa-3x\"><\/i>\n            <\/button>\n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__button m-feedback-prompt__button--no\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:no\" aria-label=\"Disagree\">\n                <i class=\"fa-regular fa-thumbs-down fa-3x\"><\/i>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Feedback form -->\n    <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form\">\n        <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--thanks \">\n            <div>Thanks!<\/div>\n            <p>\n                We appreciate your feedback \u2013 your submission has been successfully received.            <\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form id=\"contact-form\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--form\" action=\"\" method=\"post\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" id=\"authenticity_token\" name=\"authenticity_token\" value=\"9eb4f72322\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wp_http_referer\" value=\"\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1208\" \/>            <input value=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"currenturl\"\n                   id=\"currenturl\">\n            <input value=\"5 Tips for Selling Your Business in England and Wales\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"currenttitle\"\n                   id=\"currenttitle\">\n            <label>\n                <!-- display on thumbs-up -->\n                <span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__feedback m-feedback-prompt__feedback--yes\">\n                    Can you tell us <span class=\"font-semibold\">why<\/span> you found it helpful?\n                <\/span>\n\n                <!-- display on thumbs-down -->\n                <span class=\"m-feedback-prompt__feedback m-feedback-prompt__feedback--no text-lg\">\n                    How can we better improve this article?\n                <\/span>\n                <textarea name=\"feedbackmessage\" id=\"feedbackmessage\" required><\/textarea>\n            <\/label>\n\n            <div class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--error\" id=\"form-submit-error\"><\/div>\n            <button id=\"submit-contact-form-button\" type=\"submit\" name=\"commit\" class=\"m-feedback-prompt__form--submit\"\n                    data-analytics-link=\"feedback-prompt:submit\">\n                Submit            <\/button>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Suppose you are a business owner. You have developed a good idea and worked hard to grow your business. However, you have decided to sell your business. This could be because you are looking to retire or simply because you no longer want to own your business. In any event, this can be a daunting<a href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"sr-only\">&#8220;5 Tips for Selling Your Business in England and Wales&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13461,"featured_media":611,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","editor_notices":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[21,167,168,224],"class_list":["post-1208","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-sale-purchase","tag-medium-business","tag-selling-a-business","tag-due-diligence","tag-share-purchase-agreement"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>5 Tips for Selling Your Business in England and Wales | LegalVision UK<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Are you selling your business? Then you need to know these 5 tips to prepare yourself and get the best price for your business.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"5 Tips for Selling Your Business in England and Wales | LegalVision UK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Are you selling your business? Then you need to know these 5 tips to prepare yourself and get the best price for your business.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"LegalVision UK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LegalVision\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-01-04T05:50:39+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-07-01T23:42:11+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/30230439\/brand-design-00119.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1067\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Kieran Ram\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@LegalVision_law\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@LegalVision_law\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Kieran Ram\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Kieran Ram\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/5a59ade89273f68f939c7cb8cc66e6f1\"},\"headline\":\"5 Tips for Selling Your Business in England and Wales\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-01-04T05:50:39+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-07-01T23:42:11+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/\"},\"wordCount\":1478,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/30230439\/brand-design-00119.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"medium business\",\"selling a business\",\"due diligence\",\"share purchase agreement\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Business Sale and Purchase Articles\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/\",\"name\":\"5 Tips for Selling Your Business in England and Wales | LegalVision UK\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/30230439\/brand-design-00119.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-01-04T05:50:39+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-07-01T23:42:11+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/5a59ade89273f68f939c7cb8cc66e6f1\"},\"description\":\"Are you selling your business? Then you need to know these 5 tips to prepare yourself and get the best price for your business.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/#breadcrumb\"},\"mainEntity\":[{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/#faq-question-1641274515997\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/#faq-question-1641274552464\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/30230439\/brand-design-00119.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/30230439\/brand-design-00119.jpg\",\"width\":1600,\"height\":1067,\"caption\":\"What is the Consumer Rights Act 2015?\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Business Sale and Purchase Articles\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/category\/business-sale-purchase\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"5 Tips for Selling Your Business in England and Wales\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/\",\"name\":\"LegalVision UK\",\"description\":\"LegalVision is a commercial law firm in the UK with a commitment to innovation\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/5a59ade89273f68f939c7cb8cc66e6f1\",\"name\":\"Kieran Ram\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/Kieran-2349-scaled-e1714435159620-96x96.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/Kieran-2349-scaled-e1714435159620-96x96.jpg\",\"caption\":\"Kieran Ram\"},\"description\":\"Kieran is a Trainee Solicitor in LegalVision\u2019s Corporate and Commercial team. He has completed a Law Degree, the Legal Practice Course and a Masters in Sports Law, specialising in Football Law.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/author\/kieranram\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/#faq-question-1641274515997\",\"name\":\"What should I do to prepare to sell my business?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Understanding what to expect is the first step in selling your business. You will need to value your company, determine if you will need a broker, have an idea about how you will negotiate the preliminary agreements, prepare for the due diligence process, and consider what the share purchase agreement may entail.\u00a0\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/#faq-question-1641274552464\",\"name\":\"How should I prepare for the due diligence process when I sell my business?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"You should assemble as much information about your business as possible, such as your accounts and all contracts with third parties. You should then organise this information in a helpful way so that you can speed up the process.\u00a0\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"5 Tips for Selling Your Business in England and Wales | LegalVision UK","description":"Are you selling your business? Then you need to know these 5 tips to prepare yourself and get the best price for your business.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"5 Tips for Selling Your Business in England and Wales | LegalVision UK","og_description":"Are you selling your business? Then you need to know these 5 tips to prepare yourself and get the best price for your business.","og_url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/","og_site_name":"LegalVision UK","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/LegalVision","article_published_time":"2022-01-04T05:50:39+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-07-01T23:42:11+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1600,"height":1067,"url":"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/30230439\/brand-design-00119.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Kieran Ram","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@LegalVision_law","twitter_site":"@LegalVision_law","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Kieran Ram","Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/"},"author":{"name":"Kieran Ram","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/5a59ade89273f68f939c7cb8cc66e6f1"},"headline":"5 Tips for Selling Your Business in England and Wales","datePublished":"2022-01-04T05:50:39+00:00","dateModified":"2025-07-01T23:42:11+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/"},"wordCount":1478,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/30230439\/brand-design-00119.jpg","keywords":["medium business","selling a business","due diligence","share purchase agreement"],"articleSection":["Business Sale and Purchase Articles"],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/","name":"5 Tips for Selling Your Business in England and Wales | LegalVision UK","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/30230439\/brand-design-00119.jpg","datePublished":"2022-01-04T05:50:39+00:00","dateModified":"2025-07-01T23:42:11+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/5a59ade89273f68f939c7cb8cc66e6f1"},"description":"Are you selling your business? Then you need to know these 5 tips to prepare yourself and get the best price for your business.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/#faq-question-1641274515997"},{"@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/#faq-question-1641274552464"}],"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/30230439\/brand-design-00119.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/img.legalvision.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/11\/30230439\/brand-design-00119.jpg","width":1600,"height":1067,"caption":"What is the Consumer Rights Act 2015?"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Business Sale and Purchase Articles","item":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/category\/business-sale-purchase\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"5 Tips for Selling Your Business in England and Wales"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#website","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/","name":"LegalVision UK","description":"LegalVision is a commercial law firm in the UK with a commitment to innovation","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/5a59ade89273f68f939c7cb8cc66e6f1","name":"Kieran Ram","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/Kieran-2349-scaled-e1714435159620-96x96.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/Kieran-2349-scaled-e1714435159620-96x96.jpg","caption":"Kieran Ram"},"description":"Kieran is a Trainee Solicitor in LegalVision\u2019s Corporate and Commercial team. He has completed a Law Degree, the Legal Practice Course and a Masters in Sports Law, specialising in Football Law.","url":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/author\/kieranram\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/#faq-question-1641274515997","name":"What should I do to prepare to sell my business?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Understanding what to expect is the first step in selling your business. You will need to value your company, determine if you will need a broker, have an idea about how you will negotiate the preliminary agreements, prepare for the due diligence process, and consider what the share purchase agreement may entail.\u00a0","inLanguage":"en-GB"},"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/business-sale-purchase\/5-tips-for-selling-your-business-in-england-and-wales\/#faq-question-1641274552464","name":"How should I prepare for the due diligence process when I sell my business?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"You should assemble as much information about your business as possible, such as your accounts and all contracts with third parties. You should then organise this information in a helpful way so that you can speed up the process.\u00a0","inLanguage":"en-GB"},"inLanguage":"en-GB"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1208","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/13461"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1208"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1208\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1634,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1208\/revisions\/1634"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/611"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1208"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1208"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalvision.co.uk\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1208"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}